I was fooling around with the starter location.
I took Tracy redrive plate and traced the outline & mounting holes on
a large sheet of paper. I then rotated the plate to see
how various starter locations would work out.
The plug side of the engine is the hardest place of all 
to put it. 

Then I thought.. this is dumb. Why am I worrying about the
weight of the starter when a gallon of gas in one or the 
other fuel tank will make much much bigger difference
in the lateral trim of the airplane. Not to mention the 
pilot sitting alone in a side by side airplane. Also
the alternator is heavier than the starter and it usually
winds up on the plug side.

For the pusher types that have the room above the engine
on top slightly off center on the plug side is a good alternative
placement if you absolutely don't want the starter on the exhaust 
side for what ever reason. That will still give you room under the 
engine for a large area thin rad.

BTW here is another rad location idea for you pusher types. Put 
the rad over the engine and take air from a top scoop like this picture.
Does not make a lot of sense because hot air goes up but
what the hey its different :-)

Paul Lamar
 
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